Mykonos has some of the most famous beaches in Greece — and the most varied. On a single island you'll find calm family bays, glamorous beach clubs, full-on party strips, and quieter coves, mostly strung along the sheltered south coast. Knowing which is which is the key to a good beach day here, because a family with kids and a group looking to party want very different sands. This guide breaks down the best beaches in Mykonos by what each one is actually like.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The lay of the land
Most of Mykonos's best beaches are on the south coast, which is sheltered from the strong summer meltemi wind that can batter the north. They're well-organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars or tavernas, and many are linked by sea taxis in season, so you can hop between them. The north-coast beaches are quieter and wilder but windier. Pick your beach to match your mood — there's a very different scene from one to the next.
Family-friendly: Ornos & Platis Gialos
Ornos is a calm, organized bay close to town with shallow water, restaurants, and easy bus access — a top pick for families. Platis Gialos is another well-organized, sheltered beach and a hub for the sea taxis that fan out to the more famous southern beaches.
Good for
Families, couples, and anyone wanting amenities and easy access without a party scene.
The party beaches: Paradise & Super Paradise
Paradise and Super Paradise are Mykonos's legendary party beaches — beach clubs with DJs, daytime parties that run into the night, and a young, energetic crowd. Beautiful sand and water, but come for the scene, not for peace and quiet.
Good for
Partiers and a lively, social beach day. Not the place for a quiet swim or young kids.
Chic and stylish: Psarou & Elia
Psarou is the glamour beach — a famous beach club, designer crowd, and yachts offshore. Elia, one of the island's longest beaches, has upscale stays and a more relaxed luxury feel with a mix of organized sections.
Good for
Style-seekers, the see-and-be-seen crowd, and a more upscale beach-club experience.
Quieter options
For fewer crowds, head to beaches like Agios Sostis (a more natural, unorganized beach with a beloved taverna), Fokos on the north coast (wild and quiet, but exposed to the wind), or Kalafatis on the southeast, known for water sports. These reward a little extra effort with a calmer day.
Good for
Travelers seeking a quieter, more local or natural beach away from the organized scene.
What to expect from a Mykonos beach day
A few practical notes. Many beaches have paid sunbeds and umbrellas, sometimes pricey at the chic spots, though ordering from the attached bar often covers it. The meltemi wind is the wildcard — on its windiest summer days, head to the sheltered south coast and avoid the exposed north. Sea taxis and buses make beach-hopping easy from town and Platis Gialos. And bring cash for smaller spots, though cards are widely accepted at the organized beaches. Because beach-club prices in particular can be steep and vary by season, check current rates rather than assuming.
How to choose your beach
Match the beach to your day: Ornos or Platis Gialos for families and easy access; Paradise or Super Paradise for the party; Psarou or Elia for style and beach clubs; and Agios Sostis or Fokos for quiet. Because they're so different, many visitors sample two or three over a few days using the sea taxis — a great way to find your favorite.
Getting to the beaches
Because regular taxis are scarce and pricey on Mykonos, how you reach the beaches matters. The good news is the bus network from Mykonos Town and Platis Gialos reaches the main south-coast beaches cheaply and reliably, and in summer sea taxis shuttle between the southern beaches, which is the easiest and most scenic way to hop from one to the next. Renting an ATV or car gives you freedom to reach the quieter or northern beaches, though parking at the popular spots fills up and the north-coast roads can be windy and exposed. For a first-timer, basing in or near town and using the buses and sea taxis covers the famous beaches without the headache of scarce taxis — and lets you sample several different scenes in a day rather than committing to just one.
FAQ
What are the best beaches in Mykonos?
Ornos and Platis Gialos for families and easy access, Paradise and Super Paradise for partying, Psarou and Elia for style and beach clubs, and Agios Sostis or Fokos for a quieter day.
Which Mykonos beaches are best for families?
Ornos, with its calm, shallow water and easy bus access, and Platis Gialos, another sheltered, organized beach. Both have amenities and avoid the party scene.
Where are the party beaches in Mykonos?
Paradise and Super Paradise on the south coast are the famous party beaches, with beach clubs, DJs, and daytime parties that run late.
How do I get between Mykonos beaches?
Buses connect the town to the main beaches, and sea taxis link the southern beaches in season, making it easy to hop between several in a day. Regular taxis are scarce and expensive.
Why are some Mykonos beaches so windy?
The summer meltemi wind hits the north coast hardest. The south-coast beaches are sheltered, which is why most of the famous organized beaches are on that side of the island.
